{"id":39780,"date":"2026-03-04T12:12:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T12:12:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/?p=39780"},"modified":"2026-03-04T12:12:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T12:12:02","slug":"mayor-mamdani-and-governor-hochul-announce-first-four-communities-to-receive-free-2-k-seats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/archives\/39780","title":{"rendered":"Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul announce first four communities to receive free 2-K seats"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEWYORK: in a major step toward universal child care from six weeks to five years old, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first four communities that will receive free 2-K seats this fall.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The four communities are School District 6, School District 10, School Districts 18 and 23 and School District 27.<\/p>\n

First announced on day eight of the Mamdani administration alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul, 2-K is a cornerstone of the Mayor\u2019s universal child care initiative.<\/p>\n

The program will provide free child care for two-year-olds in New York City to any family who needs it, regardless of zip code, income or immigration status.<\/p>\n

The program will launch with 2,000 free seats this fall and expand to full universality within four years.<\/p>\n

Earlier this year, Gov. Hochul committed more than $1.2 billion to support early childhood care and education in New York City, including $73 million to fund the first set of free 2-K seats. That investment will grow to $425 million next year. By fall 2027, 2-K is expected to serve approximately 12,000 children across all five boroughs, with the goal of reaching every two-year-old in the city at full implementation.<\/p>\n

\u201cRaising a child takes a village \u2013 and it takes a city government willing to step up and tackle the child care crisis head-on,\u201d said\u00a0Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn day eight, we moved closer to making universal childcare a reality. This fall, 2,000 New York City two-year-olds will have a brighter future because of it. Launching free 2-K in these four neighborhoods is just the beginning of our work to put money back in New Yorkers\u2019 pockets, strengthen our entire economy and help more families build their lives here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRaising a family in New York shouldn\u2019t feel like a luxury, and today we\u2019re taking another significant step to deliver universal child care,\u201d said\u00a0Governor Hochul.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarlier this year, Mayor Mamdani and I stood together to announce the state\u2019s historic investment in New York City\u2019s 2-K program, delivering free child care for two-year-olds across the City. This is how we make New York the best place to start a family and build a future \u2013 and we\u2019re just getting started.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe launch of 2-K reflects our commitment to reaching families with the greatest need and building a system that grows to serve every child in every community,\u201d said\u00a0<\/strong>Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are opening the doors for thousands of two-year-olds and their families, delivering free, full-day care and early learning and paving the way for bright futures from our students’ earliest ages.”<\/p>\n

“After years of fighting for universal child care, we finally have a Mayor who\u2019s fighting alongside us \u2014 and we\u2019re seeing the impact of that,\u201d said\u00a0New York State Senator Jabari Brisport.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/strong>I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Mamdani, parents, and child care providers to win full universal child care for every family in New York.”<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have witnessed a significant rise in the cost of quality childcare, which has put immense stress on families,\u201d said\u00a0New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAffordable, reliable childcare is essential for families as they maneuver their day to day , making today\u2019s 2-K announcement a step in the right direction. Initiatives like Universal 2-K and similarly 3-K enables more community members to enter or re-enter the workforce, launch businesses, and sustain employment.<\/p>\n

Thank you to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and the legislature for ensuring that this became a reality. When we work together, we bring forth positive change keeping the families of New York first.\u201d<\/p>\n

“As a mother of four, advocate, educator and public servant who founded and operated a 24\/7 child care center, I\u2019ve lived the reality behind the ongoing basic needs that are compromised for childcare for those who don\u2019t have enough to make ends meet. Guaranteeing universal 3-K and pre-K means New York chooses to invest in children\u2019s most critical years, keep families rooted in their communities, and build an economy where raising a family doesn\u2019t mean going broke,”\u00a0said Assemblywoman Chandler-Waterman.<\/p>\n

“Millions of New Yorkers have been shut out from these benefits, and our economy has paid the price in lost families, lost workers, and billions in lost growth. Universal 2-K regardless of background, language barrier, income, or immigration status is a monumental step in removing the burden on families. While this is a needed step we must ensure that child care workers will be making a livable wage with fair working conditions. I am committed to working with all my school districts, especially with School District 18 where initial slots will be available, as we push the initiative, keep programs financially viable, and create high-quality, diverse learning environments where all children benefit.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m deeply grateful to Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for recognizing the urgent need in Washington Heights and Inwood and selecting School District 6 as one of the first communities to receive 2-K seats,\u201d said\u00a0Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor so many Northern Manhattan families, the cost of child care is an overwhelming burden, and this investment will make a real difference in parents\u2019 ability to work and in giving our youngest learners a strong foundation. Expanding access to free, high-quality care \u2014 regardless of income, zip code, or immigration status \u2014 is an essential step toward true universal child care, and I\u2019m proud that District 6 is helping lead the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFamilies across South Queens and the Rockaway Peninsula have endured generations of systemic disinvestment in their children’s education, from a lack of funding for their schools to a lack of urgency in ensuring our youngest students are given the proper head start they deserve. With District 27 set to become the borough’s first 2-K district this fall, we are taking another seismic leap forward in righting the wrongs of the past and building an education system rooted in equity,” said\u00a0Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

“As the father of an elementary school student myself, I couldn’t be more excited for the freedom this program will deliver for our families \u2014 both for our kids and for parents who have been stretched thin by the cost of childcare. I look forward to working with the Governor, the Mayor and all our partners to ensure we deliver high-quality 2-K to every family in District 27 and, in time, beyond.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 2-K districts announced today will provide direct relief to families that are bearing the brunt of the affordability crisis, and I am thrilled that Canarsie, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill are among the first communities to benefit from this historic expansion of childcare,\u201d said\u00a0<\/strong>Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is exactly the type of visionary change New Yorkers have demanded of their elected officials, and I thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for delivering results.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis initial launch of 2-K in neighborhoods across the city is a critical next step toward full universal child care, and I thank Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for their leadership in moving this forward. Together with the City Council, we are expanding opportunity for our youngest New Yorkers and delivering real support for working families across our city,\u201d said\u00a0Speaker Julie Menin.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have long championed universal child care as essential to making New York more affordable and equitable. From advancing the Council\u2019s Universal Childcare Act in 2022 to advocating for the opening of a new early education center on the East Side of Manhattan, we are laying the groundwork to lead the nation on childcare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProtecting our city\u2019s future starts with protecting our families,\u201d said\u00a0Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu.<\/p>\n

\u201cMayor Mamdani\u2019s commitment to expanding 2-K is an investment in working parents, in our youngest New Yorkers, and in the long-term strength of our communities. When families have stability and support, our whole city thrives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExpanding access to free, high-quality early education is one of the smartest investments we can make as a city,\u201d said\u00a0<\/strong>Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Chair of the Education Committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud that District 10 is among the first communities to receive 2-K seats this fall. Universal child care strengthens working families, supports our youngest learners at a critical stage of development, and helps ensure that a child\u2019s zip code, income level, or immigration status never determines their opportunity. I look forward to working with the administration and our local providers to make sure this rollout is strong, equitable, and delivers for Bronx families.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things we heard clearly at yesterday\u2019s hearing on this administration\u2019s path toward universal child care was the public\u2019s call to rebuild trust, especially when it comes to keeping promises,\u201d said\u00a0<\/strong>Council Member Jennifer Guti\u00e9rrez, Chair of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood Education.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAnnouncing the first locations where 2-K will become a reality so quickly is a meaningful step in delivering on that commitment, and I\u2019m encouraged to see some neighborhoods with the greatest need being prioritized. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to expand this effort and ensure families across our city can access the care they need.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI commend Mayor Mamdani for delivering on his critical campaign promise to expand 2-K for working families, and I’m proud that our very own Community School District 23, serving Canarsie, Brownsville, and Ocean Hill, will be among the first to receive 2,000 2-K seats this fall,\u201d said\u00a0Council Member Sandy Nurse.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildcare costs in this city are soaring to thousands of dollars a month, and working families just can’t keep up. Free 2-K will work to directly keep working families of color here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFar too many families in our community are forced to make impossible decisions about their child\u2019s education and care because of rising costs and limited access,\u201d said\u00a0Council Member Lynn Schulman.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cUniversal child care must begin with meaningful, targeted investments in neighborhoods that need it most. These new 2-K seats, some of which are slated for my district, are a critical step toward making early childhood education truly accessible and affordable for every family. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul for this major investment in our city’s families and the future of our kids.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccess to childcare allows New York families, local communities, and our city\u2019s economy to function. Children \u2013 regardless of immigration status \u2013 need access to nurturing and quality care to thrive, while families rely on childcare to allow them the freedom to work, go to school, and so much more,\u201d said\u00a0Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to a partnership between Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani, NYC is now ushering in a new era now with the promise of free child care for two-year-olds in New York City. Today\u2019s announcement is the beginning of a roll out that will support the city to achieve universal care and, ultimately, serve all families, regardless of legal status, across the city. We thank the Mamdani administration for recognizing the challenges faced by so many hardworking New Yorkers including immigrant New York families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWith today\u2019s announcement, the Governor and Mayor demonstrated a clear commitment to tackling New York City\u2019s affordability crisis,\u201d said\u00a0Rebecca Bailin, executive director of New Yorkers United for Child Care.<\/p>\n

\u201cThousands of parents throughout the city can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will save tens of thousands of dollars each year once their child turns two.This announcement is also a testament to the power of organizing. Parents and would-be parents, desperate to build a city they can afford to raise their families in, came together to demand free child care for two-year-olds – and now, we\u2019re seeing that vision become reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen our oldest was ready for 3-K last year, we couldn’t get a seat – and we had to literally pay the price for it with private day care,\u201d said\u00a0Suz Kroeber, parent leader with New Yorkers United for Child Care and a mom of 2 in Washington Heights.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis year, things are completely different. Mayor Mamdani’s administration has shown up for parents in a way we haven’t seen in years. Applying for Pre-K was easier, and knowing that 2-K will be there in our neighborhood when our youngest turns two will be a game changer. Instead of pinching every penny just to cover daycare, we can start thinking about saving for college or retirement. All we want to do is raise our kids in New York City. 2-K makes that possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

“As a working mom of 2, life is already a juggling act. When you can\u2019t find childcare, it\u2019s not just about missing work \u2014 it\u2019s about missing out on opportunities, feeling like you\u2019re failing both at home and at your job. But when my daughter finally turned three last month I was able to enroll her in a pre-k seat. It wasn\u2019t just a convenience \u2014 it was a game-changer,” said\u00a0Cynthia Norris, working parent of 2 and member of New York Communities for Change.<\/p>\n

“I\u2019m grateful that the Mayor and the Governor have taken these major steps towards expanding childcare access so other families don\u2019t have to go through what mine did.”<\/p>\n

The initial four communities were selected based on economic need, projected child care demand, existing access gaps, provider capacity and readiness. These first 2,000 seats are designed to serve families in high-need neighborhoods while ensuring programs launch responsibly and sustainably, with inclusive access for children with disabilities and families in temporary housing, including shelters.<\/p>\n

Services will begin in September 2026, with rolling enrollment throughout the fall to accommodate children turning two at different points in the year. In the coming days, the City will begin planning efforts with child care centers and family child care providers in these four communities. Additional details on participating providers will be released in the weeks ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

NEWYORK: in a major step toward universal child care from six weeks to five years old, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced the first four communities that will receive free 2-K seats this fall. The four communities are School District 6, School District 10, School Districts 18 and 23 and School District […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":39781,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1469,31,1378],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-york","category-news","category-us"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39780"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39783,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39780\/revisions\/39783"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39781"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vosa.tv\/eng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}